Measure and Mark Railing Height

What happens in this clip

Begin by understanding the building code requirements for handrail height, which typically falls between 32 and 34 inches off the 'nose' (front edge) of the stair tread. Use a level held plumb against the wall and align it with the top of the stair tread's nose. Mark this point on the level. Then, using a tape measure, mark the desired handrail height (e.g., 32 inches) on the level from the initial tread nose mark. Repeat this process for the bottom and top stairs where the railing will begin and end. Next, measure the combined diagonal thickness of the handrail and the height of the mounting bracket to determine how far below your marked height the bracket's mounting holes should be. Subtract this combined measurement from your initial height mark. In the video, this is 3 inches for the handrail's diagonal measurement and 3 inches for the bracket, totaling 6 inches. So, subtract 6 inches from the 32-inch mark to find the actual mounting point for the bracket. Use a marker and a level to transfer these calculated bracket mounting points onto the wall at both the bottom and top ends of the staircase. Finally, use a chalk line to create a straight line on the wall connecting these two points. This chalk line indicates the exact position where the handrail's top edge will run.

Goal: Determine and mark the correct handrail height on the wall.

What's used

Tools

• Chalk Line
• parallel line on the wall for bracket installation.
• Handrail (Railing piece)
• Handrail Bracket
• Level
• Marker
• Chalk pencil
• Tape Measure

Materials

• Baby Powder

About the full video

This project provides a detailed guide on how to properly install a stair handrail on a wall, adhering to building codes for height. It covers measuring, marking, locating studs, cutting the handrail with mitered returns, and finally securing it to the wall brackets.

Step 1 of 7: Determine Handrail Height and Location

Measure from the nosing of each stair tread to the desired height for the handrail. A common range is 34 to 38 inches. Use a level to draw a horizontal line on the wall at this height, ensuring it is consistent along the entire length of the staircase. This line will serve as a guide for the bottom of the handrail.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Plan Placement and Mark Handrail Height
• Measure Handrail Height